Crystal Cruise: Hugh
Where am I – on board the Crystal Serenity, cruising from Darwin to Bali.
A glamorous sampling of the Crystal Cruise experience, on a 4-night voyage that took in stops at Kupang on the island of Timor as well as Komodo Island, Indonesia: a picturesque beauty (and home to the famous Komodo Dragon.)
Crystal is the only cruise line with a Nobu restaurant on board (Umi Uma) and an Italian fine diner, Osteria d'Ovidio, boasting a menu designed by the Michelin-starred Alajmo brothers. They offer bespoke butler service in all suites, a staff to guest ratio of nearly 1:1 and an industry-leading space-to-guest ratio. The benefit of space, and opportunity to find a quiet nook or cosy bar - often all to yourself, is really something you notice on board Serenity, which was originally built to cater for up to 1,000 guests but after their purchase by Abercrombie & Kent and a 2023 refurbishment, now only carries up to 740 (!) - not often do you find a company cutting back on guest capacity to improve the actual guest experience!
One major point of difference is undoubtedly the friendly and approachable staff, the majority of which have been with Crystal for many years and countless voyages (our butler Dennis, far from the exception, has been with Crystal for over 20yrs.)
Sapphire Veranda Suite # 9062 – Wow! Our first (and lasting) impression. With only 4 nights on board we were spoilt with so much space, but for those travelling for a week or more…having so much room to settle in would be a blessing. Immediately on entering the suite you’re met by a generously proportioned living room, with fully stocked minibar, chilled bottle of French Champagne and a handy pair of binoculars to check out the passing scenery. To the left a spacious walk-in robe, kitted out with fluffy robe, kimono and enough hanging space to unpack and feel like you’re not going anywhere for a while!
In 2023 the Sapphire Suites were created by opening up to the cabin next door (essentially making 1 suite from 2 rooms.) The bedroom is separated from the living room by a heavy set of curtains (which your butler will draw in the evening.) And the ensuite, in these newer room types features a huge walk-in shower and double vanity. With lovely products from Ortigia.
There’s a door to the bathroom from the bedroom as well as the living area - handy if you have guests, so they don’t need to trek through your bedroom to use the facilities.
Joining both the living room and bedroom are sliding glass doors on to an expansive double veranda; plenty of room to enjoy a morning coffee or relax in the early evening with a glass of something from your bar (or delivered to your room of course for something more indulgent off the menu.)
In the Sapphire Suite category, you receive a complimentary laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning service. And just a few doors down from 9062 there was also a handy self-service laundry on board (which even across just 4 nights, we used multiple times.)
Our suite was remodelled in 2023 / there are some in the same Sapphire category with the ‘older’ look and feel (wood features, and an older style bathroom with bathtub.) These had a very different vibe and layout but are often requested by repeat Crystal clientele with a preference for the more traditional decor.
We did have the opportunity to see some of these cabins. As well as the ‘lead in’ Veranda Suite and the Aquamarine category, which I liked for it’s open feel and light and bright dressing area.
Dining - is a huge feature of life on board with Crystal. There are 3 featured specialty restaurants; Umi Uma - with its Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu created by the world-famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Osteria d'Ovidio, their signature Italian restaurant. With a new menu designed by Massimiliano, the youngest chef ever to be awarded three Michelin stars, and Raffaele, CEO of the celebrated Alajmo restaurants in Italy. As well as Beefbar (which was our personal favourite.) You’re able to dine at any of these restaurants at least once per sailing, with any additional visits at a small supplementary charge.
There’s also the Waterside Restaurant, a lovely elegant space with formal service - open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Along with a full buffet selection (breakfast and lunch) at the Marketplace. The Bistro for coffee, and Trident Grill for a poolside casual bite to eat.
Entertainment - there are two lounge spaces on board, both on Deck 6; The Stardust Lounge - which features themed events, cabaret performances, and on select nights is where you will find the Supper Club (an evening event of dining and dance.) And at the opposite end of the ship, The Galaxy Lounge - hosting Broadway-style shows and headline entertainers. On this same deck are the Hollywood Theatre, for guest lectures and film screenings as well as Pulse Nightclub. And on Deck 5 is the Crystal Cove (such a lively fun spot for an aperitif.) Perhaps my favourite though was up on Deck 12, the Palm Court and Sunset Bar - gorgeous spot for afternoon tea, as well as a cocktail while the ship sails in to the sunset.
At the end of our voyage, we added on some time at the divine Jimbaran Puri, a Belmond Hotel
Could be the most genuinely warm and welcoming service I’ve ever experienced (from every member of their lovely team that we encountered.) A perfect spot for anyone that’s ‘done’ Bali and just wants a restful beachside getaway, away from the hustle and bustle. We weren’t mad for Jimbaran itself - the beach (away from the property) is not very clean, and the strip of beachfront seafood restaurants have probably seen better days. But the Belmond itself was really glorious. The breakfast was incredible, the candlelit dinner on the sand was unforgettable (and delicious) - and to top it off, our gorgeous pool villa was basked in sun and abundant with birdsong. What could be a better way to cap off a relaxing cruise than a bit of r&r on dry land.
